OOIDA’s touring tractor-trailer heads to the Eau Claire Big Rig Truck Show

August 16, 2018

Land Line Staff

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For the weekend, OOIDA’s touring tractor-trailer, The Spirit of the American Trucker, rolls into the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds for the ninth annual Eau Claire Big Rig Truck Show.

The Spirit will be there Aug. 17-19.

Northern Wisconsin Fairgrounds are in Chippewa Falls, Wis.

At the Eau Clair Big Rig Truck Show, a truck show, performances by a chainsaw artist and music performances are planned. A Monster Truck Throwdown is scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights. A truck parade is planned on Sunday afternoon.

A word to the wise: Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds.

As it happens, Chippewa Falls also is home to Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. Six generations of the Leinenkugel family have been involved of the past 150 years. Brewery tours are available. Jon may well get the chance to take a tour. There might be a Honey Weiss waiting for him once the day is done. You never know. 

At the stop before the Eau Clair Big Rig Truck Show, in Portage, Wis., Jon heard a lot from truckers upset about retailer receivers in the area.

“I can’t believe how really ticked off people are about not being paid for detention time,” he said.

Truckers were angry about lumpers and having to wait while the lumpers sorted and broke down five pallets to 25 pallets and similar cases. Some were upset by being charged a $240 late fee for being delayed by traffic.

“They take hours to unload you, but they penalize you for being a little late,” Jon said.

It is good to hear what is eating at drivers, Jon says. Keep the stories coming.

Whenever you see The Spirit tour truck, go say hello to Jon. He enjoys visiting about the Association’s activities and current issues. You also can join or renew your OOIDA membership for $10 off the regular price there. Also, you can get vouchers for flu, shingles and pneumonia vaccines from Jon at The Spirit.